Digitally enable your team to improve learner engagement

The issue

Digitally enabling a workforce is more than just delivering staff development sessions. It requires an ongoing strategic and managed process that embraces all aspects of organisational operation.

By adopting a 'built-in digital' approach at all levels of the organisation a culture of technology use can be developed. This in turn helps to dispel reservations and builds familiarity with using different technologies.

What you can do

Using digital technology can provide efficiencies in many everyday work situations.

Take the plunge and lead by example

In meetings this might be through the collection and sharing of ideas and information, the live analysis of performance from information systems, or directly accessing shared project management data. In curriculum development the use of the cloud and online spaces can enable more efficient production, review and implementation of new or revised resources and programmes.

Identify appropriate technologies

Realising the vision of a digitally enabled workforce requires actually identifying and using appropriate technologies to build knowledge in their safe and effective use. In many respects the approaches used to build the digital skills of work-based learners can usefully be adopted for supporting staff in their organisational roles.

Connect using social media

If you are part of a geographically dispersed workforce you may consider using social and communication media that will encourage your staff to become more connected. In this case it is recommended that a social media policy for staff is in place, and that staff have adequate support in understanding e-safety issues to ensure they remain safe while online.

Professional standards

A culture of self-development should be encouraged that enables staff to adapt programme delivery in line with current best practices for learner engagement. To this end, awareness of the relevant professional standards should be promoted: